The biggest Nebraska athletics story of the year unexpectedly broke on Friday morning, as Athletic Director Bill Moos officially announced his retirement after less than four years in the position.
Moos, who still had 18 months left on his contract with NU, will end his tenure on June 30.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Ronnie D. Green said in a statement Friday that the Huskers would launch a national search for Moos' successor, "which I hope and expect will move quickly."
Green announced that Senior Deputy Athletic Director for External Relations Garret Klassy would serve as Interim Athletic Director until NU made a full-time hire.
After being hired at Nebraska in October of 2017, Moos hired 12 new head coaches during his time in Lincoln. Those included football coach Scott Frost, men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg, and baseball coach Will Bolt.
He also oversaw several new facilities developments, most notably the $155 million Go B1G project, which began construction this spring.
Moos ends a 40-year career in college athletics, with more than 25 years as a Division I athletic director.
“To understand just how special Nebraska is, you need to spend time here, meet our people, visit our cities and towns and sit in Memorial Stadium in a sea of red on a Saturday afternoon in the fall,” Moos said. “I step away completely content, knowing that our athletic program is reborn and rebuilt and that it has a solid, stable foundation.”
Green praised the work Moos accomplished at Nebraska, especially helping the Huskers navigate the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
"I respect Bill Moos’ decision to retire, and I want to thank him for his service to Husker Athletics and our university," Green said in a statement. "Under his tenure, Nebraska has gained tremendous talent with outstanding new coaches and senior administrators.
"I particularly appreciate his steady and capable leadership during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his team were able to help mitigate those impacts and ensure that Husker Athletics came through this challenging year in good shape. The positive financial position of our Athletic Department is the envy of many across the nation."
No reason has been given yet as to Moos' sudden retirement, but he said he would always cherish the memories of his time at Nebraska.
“I have been so fortunate to work as the Director of Athletics at four wonderful schools and have seen a lot, but I have never witnessed and experienced the passion of fans like we have at Nebraska," Moos said in a statement.
"The unflinching support of our programs and of our university is inspiring and unmatched. I have visited every part of our great state and engaged with thousands of Husker fans over the years, and there truly is No Place like Nebraska.”
Later on Friday, Frost made a statement on the announcement on Moos's retirement.
”We will miss Bill and Kendra but wish them all the best in the future," Frost said. "I am grateful to Bill for all the work he has done and laying the groundwork for our future in Athletics.
“I have tremendous confidence in Chancellor Ronnie Green, his leadership, and ability to select our next Athletic Director. I know the leader he chooses will be able to help not only our football program, but all of athletic programs at this great University, be successful.”
